Yamaha turns biking scene in India hotter with trio launches

Unveils all new SZ, SZ-X and YBR 125

New Delhi, August 4th, 2010: Buoyed by the success of deluxe and premium segment bikes, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. today unveiled three new bikes – SZ, SZ-X and YBR 125 in a bid to give Indian masses the Yamaha edge of Quality, Performance, & Design. Lending a spark to the occasion was Bollywood hunk and Yamaha’s brand ambassador in India, John Abraham, a passionate biker himself.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Yukimine Tsuji, CEO & MD, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. said, “The launch of SZ, SZ-X and YBR 125 is in line with Yamaha’s true commitment to provide world-class products to its customers. SZ, SZ-X and YBR125 models have been designed and engineered down to the finest details for maximum comfort of the rider. Ideal combinations of Power, Comfort & Style, SZ & SZ-X have been designed with a strong focus on quality and performance. YBR 125, on the other hand, is stylish and has good ergonomics for comfortable day-to-day commuting. We are confident that these bikes will capture the imagination of a whole generation of bikers who are looking for something extra”.

Talking about the company’s association with John Abraham, he said, “Our association with John Abraham has evolved into a strong relationship. A passionate biker himself, John has added a new dimension to our brand image. As an advisor also, he has given his value-additions towards our company’s initiatives.”

Powering the new SZ and SZ-X is an all-new 4-Stroke air-cooled, SOHC single cylinder with 153cc engine that has been tuned for optimum performance i.e. Extra Power in the low to mid-speed range thereby ensuring a stress-free ride on Indian roads. The bikes are equipped with AI System and a large-capacity muffler with catalyzer for cleaner exhaust.

The bikes flaunt some cutting edge design structures like the headlight cowl with 3-dimensional slanting line which along with a sporty fender with split look enhances the look of bikes. There is a large capacity 14L fuel tank which gives the ability to go Extra Mile. The long cushioned seat ensures comfortable riding position enabling a straighter back and Extra Comfort while commuting long distances. SZ-X is also equipped with some of the finest technologies like electric starter and a windscreen to cut inward air swirl, thus making a hassle free riding experience for the rider.

Adding to SZ and SZ-X charisma are the sophisticated meter panel, shroud with dynamic image, modern look dual tail lights, full plastic chain case (gives protection from dust & water), robust side cover and 5-spoke cast wheel.

SZ will be available in two colors – Black and Red while SZ-X will be available in three colors – Black, Red and Grey Metallic.

The new YBR 125, on the other hand, has chiseled looks and enthralls the commuter with a comfortable riding experience. The bike is targeted towards executive segment customers who want a commuter bike that has a universally accepted design, gives a feeling of solidity & robustness and satisfactory mileage at an affordable price. The bike is equipped with 123cc engine and 4-Speed gear box. YBR 125 will be available in three colors – Red, Black and Black-Red colors. Booking of the bikes will start immediately.

While YBR 125 will be available at an Ex-showroom price (Delhi) of Rs. 47,000, SZ and SZ-X will be available at an Ex-showroom price (Delhi) of Rs. 49,000 and Rs. 52,000, respectively.

With the Yamaha signature all over, the trio SZ, SZ-X and YBR 125 are extremely well engineered, comfortable, stylish and promise to be the best bikes in respective segments.

Yamaha YBR125, SZ, SZ-X Image Gallery

The SZ-X is the Yamaha SZ with electric start and cosmetic alterations.

There are no major differences between the the SZ and the SZ-X otherwise. The motorcycles are priced at Rs. 49,000 and Rs. 52,000, respectively (ex-showroom, Delhi).

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) has achieved a 32% growth in sales during the month of June as compared to last year. The company has sold 28,155 units of its motorcycles in the month of June, up from 21,278 units sold during June last year.

Koji Arai, Director and Chief Sales Officer, India Yamaha Motor Private Limited -

It is a sense of pride to witness Yamaha’s growing foothold in the Indian two-wheeler industry. The first half of the year has been indeed result-driven which is reflected not only in our sales graph but also in the initiatives taken to get closer to our consumers. With an exciting product portfolio, we have been receiving an overwhelming response from Indian and overseas consumers across all product segments, particularly from our newly launched YBR110 and premium segment bikes such as the YZF-R15 and the FZ series. Our refreshed FZ & FZ-S with new colours are doing very well and customers have appreciated them.

The company also reported a rise in its export figures for the month of June with 6,998 units being shipped out of the country. The company is also readying its SZ, which was first showcased as a concept at the Auto Expo, for launch sometime later this year.

Yamaha has launched its 106 cc bike called the Yamaha YBR 110 last week and there are chances that the company will launch its Yamaha SZ later in the year.

Yamaha SZ business plan

As per the sources the national business head of Yamaha Motors India, Pankaj Dubey confirmed that the company is planning to launch SZ in the market in the second half of 2010. The company is planning to strengthen its position in the entry level market and to do that the company is looking upto its YBR and YZ.

Pankaj Dubey also gave a hint of launching a 250cc (Fazer 250 was spied some time back) bike but he said that nothing has been finalized on that front.

National business head of Yamaha Motors India, Pankaj Dubey -

Yes, we have now firmed up our plans to roll out SZ by the second half of this year. We are very keen to enhance our presence in the entry and mid-level segments through new motorcycles like YBR and SZ. We do see higher contribution of sales coming from these bikes this year with a focus on the rural market for growth. Having said that, I would like to affirm that we are not expecting record numbers and our Fazer series will continue to contribute a sizeable chunk to our overall sales pie. We may even look at bringing in more Fazer series, like a 250cc bike, but nothing has been finalised yet

Yamaha SZ specifications

The Yamaha SZ is expected to have a 123.7cc air-cooled, 4-stroke SOHC engine, which will generate a maximum power output of 11  bhp@7500 rpm delivering a maximum torque of 10.4 Nm@6500rpm. The expected mileage will be of 65 kmpl and the will be around Rs. 50,000 to Rs.55,000. However these are not confirmed specs of the bike.

Yamaha’s future plans for India

The company will continue with its existing line up and there are no plans for phasing out any of its current model like Alba or G5. On the other note the company will be working on increasing its dealership network all across the country.

Yamaha is now trying to capitalize on its brand image boosted by the success of YZF R15, FZ and Fazer series and this could be the reason behind Yamaha playing another innings in the entry level segment. Well let’s hope they do good numbers this time.

Our argument

The heart of the market is still in the 100-125cc segment. But does this mean Yamaha should foray into it? Doesn’t Yamaha have a different brand halo. Shouldn’t they bring bikes like the Fazer and R15 instead of looking at the 100-125cc segment which belongs to Bajaj and Hero Honda?

Source: Wheels Unplugged

Two concept motorcycles from Yamaha called the Yamaha SZ and Yamaha YBR were on display at the 2010 auto expo. These two bikes if launched would be targeted at the commuter segment. While the YBR looked pretty simple the SZ is the one to watch out for.

Although these are just concept bikes and no details regarding the technical specs are out or their launch time frame for that matter, we have a strong feeling that these two bikes will be the next launches from Yamaha for 2010.

The YBR looked somewhat like a 100cc bike whereas the SZ can have a slightly more powerful engine, perhaps in the 125cc range. One thing which I noticed was none of them had front disc brakes meaning these will be low capacity commuters.

The SZ looked stylish with useful features like tachometer incorporated in the console. The YBR on the other hand looked like a sibling to the Yamaha Alba.

Believing what Yamaha officials said at the expo, the commuter section would be an area of focus in the coming years and these two bikes gives us a hint that Yamaha has already started working in this direction.

With Honda doing pretty well with their CBF Stunner in the 125cc segment and their latest launch the 110cc CB Twister is also is a topic of discussion these days, Yamaha would not want to be left behind in the commuter section and would definitely come up with an answer to these two bikes from Honda. I hope that the year 2010 does not turn out to be the year of commuter bikes, as Yamaha is not the brand you would associate with a puny thing designed for high mileage.